“Some people think football [soccer] is a matter of life and death. I don't like that attitude. I can assure them it is much more serious than that.”
—Bill Shankly (1913-1981)
“a lot of football success is in the mind. you must believe you are the best and then make sure that you are.”
—Bill Shankly (1913-1981)
“The trouble with referees is that they know the rules, but they do not know the game."
—Bill Shankly (1913-1981)
“The socialism I believe in is everyone working for each other, everyone having a share of the rewards. It's the way I see football, the way I see life.”
—Bill Shankly (1913-1981)
"A football team is like a piano. You need eight men to carry it and three who can play the damn thing."
—Bill Shankly (1913-1981)
"At a football club, there's a holy trinity - the players, the manager and the supporters. Directors don't come into it. They are only there to sign the checks."
—Bill Shankly (1913-1981)
"If you get to the edge of the penalty area with the ball and don't know what to do next, just stick the ball in the net for now. We can evaluate the other options later."
—Bill Shankly (1913-1981)
"Football is a simple game based on the giving and taking of passes, of controlling the ball and of making yourself available to receive a pass. It is terribly simple."
—Bill Shankly (1913-1981)